Page 28 of Omega's Tempting Fate
“Thanks man.”
“No problem. Now, go get your omega.”
I chuckled. “If only it was that easy.”
“Well, at least you’ll have had to work for something in your life,” he teased.
“Asshole,” I laughed.
“That’s why we’re friends, you need somebody to keep you down to Earth.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’ve got to get going.”
“Talk later then.”
“Later.”
I got into the car and headed towards the Dreamcation office, but Jordan had put a solid idea into my head.
I doubted that Cody would want to move out of Harris Cove. He had friends here, while Jordan was the only person I was really close to.
It wasn’t right to take him away from his home, not when so much of my work could be done remotely. It only made sense to offer the same option to my employees. Software could be written and shared online, there were tools for that. And if we couldn’t find the tools we needed, then we’d write them.
It felt right, and I knew that was what I needed to do if I wanted to win Cody over. I needed to follow my gut and do the things that I thought would have the most real impact, not just be a part of my courting him.
∞∞∞
It only took me a couple of days to learn how much Cody did that didn’t rely on software at all, and how critical he was to the company.
I also realized that, if anything, ReservdIt wasn’t robust enough for high-end property management. It handled the integrations with popular platforms as expected, and streamlined some parts of the process. But he frequently turned to internal files for client management.
Did a repeat client prefer a particular chef or butler for their visit? Were there regular demands for extra services that he needed to prepare for? Which anniversary were the couple who vacationed every year celebrating? After sitting in on only a few meetings I realized that a client profile add-on would be a valuable asset. It would mean that such details would be at hand when looking at a reservation, rather than back at the office.
Customer experience for us meant guest experience for them, and we’d been too focused on the utility side of the business.
“What’s all this?” I asked as I walked into the office on Thursday morning.
“Welcome baskets,” Cody replied, not looking up from where he was surrounded by stacks of various products. “You got one too, don’t you remember?”
“I do. But you put them together yourself?”
That did get his attention and he glanced up at me. “Of course. It’s the best way to keep things current and fresh.”
I looked into the basket he was currently working on. “What do you mean?”
He sighed, and started pointing at things. “Take this soap for example. It’s handmade locally using organic products. It’s best when used soon after curing, so we buy frequently rather than stock up and sit on it. These chocolates use seasonal ingredients for flavor. It’s the same for a lot of the other things in here. We’re supporting small businesses by giving clients a taste of their offerings. Outsourcing the assembly of baskets means we’re locked into what’s in them, and at higher quantities than we usually assemble in advance. Things may be getting old before a basket gets pulled, and outdated gifts don’t reflect their best, nor ours.”
“I see.”
He glanced up again, and I could have sworn that I saw the hint of a blush on his cheeks. Then he returned his attention to his task. “Donna works hard to find great local businesses to feature, and get sample sizes of their products, or coupons for use in store.”
“It sets you apart from what hotels will do.”
“It’s also good as a member of the community. Businesses that support each other grow together.”
“A rising tide…” I mused.
Cody nodded. “Exactly.”
